heartshape

Kabankalan, Negros Occidental (October 16, 2007)

an excerpt from the million passages spoken to promote dear ol' Silliman:



"I'm graduating soon. And of all the things I cannot forget about my stay in Silliman, I consider three experiences to be the most memorable:

I was a freshman in college, eager to try everything but afraid of sailing into uncharted waters at the same time. My mom helped me settle into my dorm - what was to be my home for a year - and by the time class started and my role as a clueless, curious freshman officially began, she packed her bags and went back to our hometown Butuan. It would've been an ordinary farewell, a silent rite of passage from girlhood to maturity. Yet instead of grinning ear to ear for my newfound independence, I realized how terribly alone I was, still unable to channel my loner instincts into positive outcomes, and cried.



Life moved on, and had it not been for my dormitory experience, I wouldn't have known the very special people who became my campus family. Being in college means discovering opportunities, meeting new people, and honing your talents. And if it requires you to venture out of your comfort zones, there's nothing more rewarding than facing a challenge head on and emerging victorious.

Another memorable experience that I will surely not forget is my being awarded a foreign exchange scholarship to Ferris University in Japan. For a year, Michelle and I were granted an all-expense paid stay in one of the most expensive schools in Japan, a chance to tour the country, and several opportunities to learn the language, join conferences, and promote the Philippines. It was hardly the conventional learning method but we learned a lot anyway. From the differences of both cultures to mastering our fears, we've grown out of our shells and managed to dance through life.

The foreign exchange scholarship is just one of the many scholarship programs offered by Silliman. Those belonging to the top 100 SUAPE passers get the chance to become a Portal scholar with a 75% decrease in tuition fees, while to those with athletic prowess, the university gladly endows athletic scholarships. Other offerings include Academic scholarship, honor scholarship, and band scholarship.




My third most unforgettable memory was of my joining various campus organizations, one of which is the Corps of Campus Ambassadors, that enriched my campus life. As important as classroom instruction is, one can never disagree with the fact that extra-curricular activities help boost hidden skills not honed in a classroom. One learns of his leadership abilities through cooperation with his fellow organization members. A student singer, dancer, or theater performer doesn't improve his/her talents without joining related endeavors, and those with exceptional writing and speaking prowess doesn't grow without mingling with those of the same kind.

Learning doesn't end in the classroom. It doesn't stop when you graduate. You simply move on to a bigger and harsher classroom which is the real world. You don't stop acquiring knowledge for refusing to do so leaves you behind."